Corporations advance and constantly cross borders – both in terms of geography and content. This is the only way for them to remain successful. In doing so, they are confronted with a classic dialectic: recognizing the familiar in what is new is just as necessary as looking for the special in what one is used to. At times of acceleration, it is necessary to define the right pace and find out when one should pause. Finally, the huge changes involved do not only affect the EVN Group as such, but also our stakeholders: owners, customers, managers, employees, and the public.
Against this background, EVN has been accompanied by contemporary art in various ways since 1995. This does not only include the momentary analysis of works from the evn collection on display in the meeting zones in our company’s building, but also a profound intellectual preoccupation with subjects going beyond the immediate context of our business. The philosophy shared by contemporary art and EVN embraces a readiness for innovation, high demands made on quality, and the resolution to face new tasks and problems. This fundamental understanding is also reflected in the DVD production Logbook 2006/2007: A Bulgarian Journey.
In late 2005, when EVN acquired an interest in two regional Bulgarian electricity suppliers in the country’s southeast, a historic step was made toward the company’s new future. This investment was also to be seen from different, non-economic points of view. Following a proposal by curator Brigitte Huck (EVN Art Advisory Board), Lisl Ponger and Tim Sharp were commissioned to compile a documentation about a country confronted with drastic change from their perspective as artists. Research was conducted on the spot, in two stages (summer 2006, spring 2007). Just in between, Bulgaria’s joining the European Union marked a major turning point in its history. The economic and political developments concerning predominantly EVN Bulgaria’s supply area were to be augmented by a cultural image.
The company did not define any thematic requirements, so that the artists could approach Bulgaria freely and independently. The result of their dealing with the country has turned out to impress us in many respects. |
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Owing to the equal importance that has been assigned to text, (animated) image, and sound, Logbook 2006/2007can be experienced as a multimedia adventure. Pointing out historical aspects and addressing current problems, the two artists offer a great variety of possibilities of exploring the country. Lisl Ponger and Tim Sharp’s experience probably does not draw a picture that is entirely different from the one we perceive in everyday business. But even though some of the motifs are familiar, new perspectives have been opened up by these motifs’ incorporation into new contexts; aspects that have so far been registered only marginally or considered matter-of-factly become the focus of attention.
One of the focal points of the evn collection is the exploration of unknown space. Logbook 2006/2007 has managed to follow this motto not only in the sense of topographical boundaries. A company’s responsibility does not only show in its careful handling of assets and allocation of profit, but also in its readiness to enter into a dialogue with the society around it. In a time of rapid change, Logbook 2006/2007 is both an archive and an artistic depiction of the environment in which we do our work. This project in particular, and the evn collection in general, can thus be regarded as the basis of the EVN Group’s cultural responsibility.
First of all, we would like to thank Lisl Ponger and Tim Sharp for their considerate approach in capturing moments of Bulgarian identity. Our thanks also go to the members of the EVN Art Advisory Board: Brigitte Huck, Georg Kargl, Paul Katzberger, Wolfgang Kos, and Hans Ulrich Obrist. Our company has been committed to contemporary art since 1995 thanks to their efforts. Opposing and common interests of art and the economy are exposed and discussed in a constant process of mutual exchange and are thus an investment in the future.
Burkhard Hofer, Spokesman for the Executive Board, EVN AG
Stefan Szyszkowitz on behalf of EVN Bulgaria |
